Caroline Gainer, a columnist from West Virginia, discusses her battle with depression compounded by chronic pain from arthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Gainer highlights how these health issues often intertwine, sharing her own experiences with the inflammation and pain that come with them.
Initially, Gainer managed hip pain through topical medications and physical therapy. However, her situation worsened following a bout of pneumonia, which left her unable to maintain her routine. Despite continuing her physical therapy exercises, the pain became overwhelming, especially during March, which marks the birthdays of her late mother and son. She felt trapped in a cycle of pain and sadness.
Struggling with sleep, Gainer found herself awake until the early morning hours, trying various methods to improve her rest, including meditation and over-the-counter remedies, but to no avail. In March, her pain escalated, leading to a realization that she was likely experiencing depression. It became evident when, one night, she contemplated the possibility of dying in her sleep due to feelings of worthlessness.
Recognizing the need for help, Gainer reached out to a virtual healthcare service covered by her insurance. During her appointment with a psychiatrist, she received a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. The psychiatrist suggested that while recovery could be possible independently, her responses indicated otherwise. Although she had previously attempted talk therapy without success, she was open to new treatment options.
The psychiatrist prescribed Lexapro (escitalopram), an antidepressant, and scheduled a follow-up appointment for three weeks later. At that follow-up, Gainer reported improved mood but continued sleep issues. The psychiatrist then prescribed trazodone, an older antidepressant known for its sedative properties, which helped her sleep better.
Throughout her journey, Gainer experienced daily fatigue, a common symptom of COPD. However, she maintained a positive outlook with the mantra “keep on keepin’ on.” Following her new treatment plan, she noticed significant relief from daytime fatigue, which had plagued her for years. Reflecting on her experiences, she suspects she had been battling depression long before her recent struggles became apparent.
Gainer aims to encourage others who may need treatment to seek help. She emphasizes that if anyone is grappling with suicidal thoughts, they should reach out to resources like the Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the U.S. (988) or Samaritans in the U.K. (samaritans.org).
This narrative illustrates the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues, especially when compounded by chronic physical ailments. Gainer’s story serves as a reminder that seeking help can lead to improvement and a better quality of life.
